We’re talking about overspending. Cringing? I know! That’s why we’re specifically talking about how do people afford to overspend?

Overspending is a behavior pattern that many of us fall into, especially during the holidays. We’re bombarded with pressure, manipulation, guilt, and shame, and we try to compensate for these feelings by making extravagant purchases. It’s like a quick fix to make ourselves feel better in the moment.

But here’s the thing: when we can consciously interrupt this pattern and become aware of our unconscious behavior, we’re already one step closer to changing our relationship with money. By shining a light on our spending habits, we give ourselves the opportunity to make more aligned choices and find a sense of balance.

In this podcast episode, we’re going to explore the question that often pops up in our minds: how the heck do they afford it? You know, those people who seem to have it all – the luxurious vacations, fancy cars, and designer clothes. It’s natural to wonder how they manage to afford these things on what we perceive to be an average income.

This, paired with the societal pressure to keep up with appearances and our desire to fit in, creates this addictive nature of overspending. The rush of adrenaline we feel when we make those impulsive purchases is a chemical reaction in our brain that can sometimes become an addiction.

But let’s not stop at just wondering about other people’s spending habits. Instead, let’s explore why we overspend to begin with. Personal reflection is key here. 

We all have our own money stories, and understanding the emotional wounds and unmet needs that drive our spending can lead to transformation and healing.

Have you ever stopped to think about the emotional impact of your first money memory? How did it shape your relationship with money? For me, money became a secret to be hidden, and spending it made me feel powerful and in control. But I also realized that I was searching for safety, security, and comfort in my spending habits. It was a way to fill a void.

And here’s where the beauty lies: once we become aware of the underlying emotional needs driving our overspending, we can start to make conscious choices. Interrupting the automatic behavior and asking ourselves why we want to make a purchase can help us break free from the cycle. It’s not about judging ourselves, but rather showing ourselves compassion and grace as we work towards healthier financial habits.

Thank you for joining me today, and until next time, keep loving money and embracing the change it brings.

We talk about:

• [0:00] Intro
• [9:24] How overspending can feel like an addiction 
• [11:05] The stats around overspending 
• [13:31] What is overspending
• [14:52] My money story and background with money
• [20:21] The role unconscious beliefs play in overspending 
• [24:24] Healing the emotional side of money
• [26:29] How online shopping triggers our sense of “going without resources”
• [27:54] Self-reflecting on your money story

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Charge What You’re Worth: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64a5ecb5349daf2cf867bccb
• Loving Money Course: https://leissewilcox.com/loving-money
  

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• Website: https://leissewilcox.com/